I have fretted and fretted over this issue. Especially considering the way our horses are living, out 24/7, grazing most of the time, just as they would be doing in the wild. And I’ve wondered if the need for equine dental work didn’t evolve from horses not being allowed to live and graze according to their genetic design. Like living in stalls and eating from a bag. So I’ve procrastinated, and avoided, and let time slip by, but in the end I’ve never had the guts to just say no. Because, even though I’ve never found a really good answer as to why a horse should have his teeth floated every year, I’ve also never been able to find a good answer as to why he should not. Until today.
The following just came in from Carole Herder, president of Cavallo (Cavallo Hoof Boots and Memory Foam Saddle Pads). For me, this is a must-read. Please do:
by Carole Herder
During several of my talks and presentations I have expressed my lack of knowledge in equine dentistry. I have the hooves figured out for sure and the back/saddle fit issues are for the most part pretty simple for me to explain, but I knew I was missing a piece of the puzzle – the 3rd “Hot Spot” for horses, the mouth. And it’s big. It’s monstrous. Have you ever looked in there? That jaw goes on forever!
So every Spring it’s time for equine dentistry. Anesthetic. Power tools. Sometimes blood. It’s one of those things that I’ve gone along with because I don’t really know what else to do. And here’s the thing I am embarrassed about – I do it because everyone else does. Yes, me. The lady who says, “Don’t be a sheep. Don’t do things just because they have always been done that way.”….. except for dentistry? No methinks there’s a better, kinder, more natural, more evolutionary and intelligent way to go.
So the other day, through an introduction from a good friend, a very interesting man (who shall remain nameless for now, because some traditional practitioners are feeling a bit put out by his alternative approach) arrives on my property, looks into my old boy’s mouth and begins to divulge some very fascinating information that rings profoundly true. You know how sometimes when you hear truth, you know beyond doubt that it’s true? He tells me that teeth only grow about 3 to 4 inches in a lifetime and that as horses age they start to compensate for their lives; bumps, bruises, feed programs, bits, riders, where they live etc. by growing their teeth in a way that allows them to masticate their food. Maybe a little jagged here and there, with some spaces and imbalances, but it works for them because they are survivors and adaptable. Then a dentist comes along and vroom OFF come the edges and anything that doesn’t look level and the horse can’t grow it back again. Over time more and more tooth is removed and your 30 year old horse starts having a hard time eating. Big problem for a horse! Could you imagine if hoof growth was finite? You’d be pretty careful about who you let near your horse with the nippers! So “Mr. Interesting” didn’t take anything off old Slash’s teeth and said he’d be back in a year.
He explained some other things about natural lifestyle and the importance of grazing. He gave me some resources to study re my now new fascination for horse’s teeth and he drove off with his own pearly whites shining through a big smile, both of us comfortable in knowing that our industry just got another step closer to a better place for horses and the people who love them. As I find out more, I’ll be sure to let you know.
Thank you Carole! Terrific new insight!
I’m not saying that it isn’t wise to get those “pearly whites” checked every year or so, as Carole does. Just as a caution. During one such check we discovered that Cash had a tooth that was split right down into the gum and it needed to come out. But from now on there will be no such thing as routine floating or balancing. And if a “point” is not in such a position as to be causing a problem for mouth tissue it won’t be touched.
I had to smile as all this unfolded because it’s just one more puzzle piece that fits neatly and logically into the Wild Horse lifestyle. As we say over and over, the answer to virtually every question about the horse can be answered by asking: How would the horse be dealing with this if he or she were out in the wild of the American west? But so very often we humans want to think we are smarter than God, and Mother Nature. And the horse.
And we aren’t.
Joe
——
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I recently got back into horses after a break for school/family etc. I adopted a quarter horse that had been out in a field for a few years. I promptly got the vet out, who was new to me as I now live in a different area than where I grew up (a very experienced horse vet, we call him the cowboy vet) expecting that he would haul out the sedative and go at both my horses (the other one is a retired race horse). The first thing he did was look around at my property, our horses have many acres of pasture and are out on it most of the time, then he looked at the horses mouths. Much to my surprise he said that they both had a few sharp points, but not in worrisome/bothersome places and since they are grazers (the race horse newly so) they would not need them treated today, but that he would be back in 6 months time to check. The race horse (4 year old) did have a baby tooth that needed to be pulled and again, he did it with out sedation and the horse did not even flinch. This vet then when on to explain to me that if I can keep them out grazing as much as possible, they will only need to have their teeth floated very sparingly, but that they should be checked regularly. This was a complete change from what I was taught for so many years, but again, it just makes sense.
Sandy Bee… hooray for your new vet!!! Please, if he doesn’t mind, send me his name and contact info (phone, email address). I’m going to start building a bank of names of folks like him to recommend to others in your area when appropriate. How does he feel about barefoot?
When I tell people I use a natural equine dentist that does not tranq my horse or use power tools their immediate response is, “they can’t get to the back teeth without it.” Not true. A qualified natural dentist using the proper tools and gaining the horse’s trust knows exactly how to handle a horse and his mouth. I just have him checked once a year for any sharp hooks. I have tried many types of bitless bridles but was not entirely happy with them for one reason or another. I finally found a light leather bitless bridle nose band and throat latch that I can use on any bridle. (Light Rider) I feel the bit is unnatural and does affect the horse’s teeth. It works so well i forget I don’t have a bit in his mouth.
Ealti… that’s terrific. Way to go! We’re lazy. We just use a rope halter and loop reins. We’re working toward being done with any headstall and just using legs and body. Might never get there but that’s the goal, trying not to ever use the reins unless it’s absolutely necessary.
http://www.advancedwholehorsedentistry.com/natural-balance-dentistry/research/
I recommend reading this to everyone that is interested in the horses teeth. I have been able to contact Spencer every time I have moved and been able to find a student (graduate) of his that has been able to do a check up for me. Absolutely amazing stuff
Even if I could choose to just ignore imbalances that might cause issue in the TMJ and poll, I’m curious to know how this expert explains horses whose incisors have not filed down on their own, thus prohibiting the molars from occluding, causing minimal grinding and processing of grass/hay. My understanding is that mastication coupled with the digestive enzymes in the saliva are paramount to healthy digestion. If the molars aren’t occluding to as close to 100% as possible, how’s the initial step to healthy digestion taking place?
Also interested in the expert’s assessment of sharp points and hooks that cause ulceration of the cheeks and occasionally of the tongue. This is especially interesting in the case of a bit or even a bosal that can press against this compromised tissue.
Or the lack of bit seat that minimizes the possibility of a bit pinching gum tissue against the front-most molars.
Sorry. I’m not with you on this one. A reputable dentist will take minimal tooth while optimizing comfort and restoring as much function and TMJ range of motion as possible. To focus solely on the quantity of tooth vs. the functionality of the mouth as a whole with regards to mastication and optimum digestion, not to mention the ability of the horse to use its whole body is a bit goofy.
Not filing down overgrown teeth that lock the jaw and freeze the TMJ because of some belief that “if it occurs naturally it’s “OK” is naive. I think you should continue your concern regarding equine dentistry and get a few more conflicting opinions before “doing nothing” becomes your “go to” idea because it’s the easiest thing for you to understand.
Zazz… do feel free to contact Carole Herder, president of Cavallo, whose post is copied in my post. You can ask her about the “expert” she mentions. I took to what she said right away because of the way our horses live and because our mission is to encourage folks to allow every horse to live as he is genetically designed to live. But, even with that, I never said do nothing. What we do is get the mouth looked at every so often and only do something if there is a real problem for the horse like some of those you mentioned… which is pretty unlikely as most of the problems you mentioned are human caused in one way or another. Our horses are out 24/7, living, moving, eating from the pasture, using their teeth as designed, plus grass hay 24/7 in winter. In other words eating virtually constantly as horses are genetically designed to eat. Our guys and gals are also bitless and have been for five years so there are not any problems caused by bits. They do not chew or crib as they are not ever in a stall. What’s goofy to me are folks who do not take the time and effort to understand that the genetics of all horses are the same and thus all horses should be living as closely as possible to how they have been designed to live over millions of years. Carole Herder’s horses are also living as horses are supposed to live which is why I suspect her dentist responded as he did. But she, and he, ARE checking every year or two. My suspicion is that when encountering a horse that lives his life in a stall and eats out of a bag he checks that horse a lot more often. – Joe
Thank you Joe for this article. I have just acquired a little 5 year old Shetland pony who came as a cruelty case from the RSPCA. Local vets says wave teeth and must be sedated, electric rasp etc
Have had him around 6 weeks now and when he came he was ‘quidding’ spitting his hay out and taking long time to eat his fruit and vegetables and biting. In the past week or so after living a more natural lifestyle the quidding is getting less and less and he is eating a little quicker and the biting has almost stopped.. After reading this article I think I may cancel the vet dentist. I did have doubts at the time. Will keep my eye on his teeth of course as I do with all my horses and will have their teeth checked if they are struggling or seem sensitive, but once again Joe when I am in a dilemma as to doing the right thing, your come up trumps just at the right time.
Jane Esther Derbyshire UK
Jane… Yes, please. Cancel the vet dentist and just watch. Out 24/7 munching 18-20 hours a day and I’ll bet he’ll be fine.
Thanks for a paradigm shift! I totally agree with the concept of being careful with the horse’s lifetime supply of tooth.
I would like to say that . . .
I think it is worth considering that, if dental work is warranted, it seems far kinder to the horse to do so under sedation. Also safer for those who are working for the benefit of the patient.
The phrase “power tools” sounds alarming and excessive, but from what I have read and gathered from speaking with equine dental professionals, it is more feasible to make a minor and precise adjustment with power tools than with hand tools, particularly on a cooperative patient.
Another advantage of sedation under veterinary supervision is a second set of professional eyes on the situation, for the protection of the horse. When my horse did need a small correction, the vet was in agreement, and also carefully monitoring the quality of the dentist’s work with the tools. I received an independent assessment of the dentist’s skill because my personal vet was on hand to sedate.
Another factor may be if the horse is being actively ridden. Being rather stoic creatures that are secretive about pain, it can be difficult to detect subtle discomfort in a horse from the ground. That may not pose a significant problem for a pasture pet. However, it is possible that more information about the horse’s comfort status is available when a skilled rider is aboard, feeling the horse’s movement in a more intimate manner. In my horse’s case, there was noted mild discomfort when ridden that was resolved by the dental work. Not only that, but he is barefoot, and his hoof balance also began to improve.
A poor dental situation is important information . . . but not necessarily a diagnosis. Where does the problem lie if the the horse chronically wears their teeth in what appears to be a less than ideal way? The problem could be the teeth, and a necessary adaptation. The problem could be a painful stifle. It could be lots of places where grinding the teeth does not provide a true therapeutic solution. Again, this is where having a vet on hand to troubleshoot the totality of the picture has more potential value than just slapping a quick fix on the teeth and calling it good. In my horse’s case, we have also instituted treatment for hock arthritis. At the next dental check up, it will be interesting to see whether the wear issues have changed!
Again, these are not so much glaring issues for the pasture pets, but it is still good to encourage yearly exams by a qualified equine dentist who is hopefully in philosophical agreement with your goals, or at least respectful of them. It will take many of us to change the overall philosophy of the industry, but I believe it can be done. It is very difficult for us to assess our horse’s dental situation without the proper equipment and training, so we need to get busy reforming from within.
Thank you, Joe, for giving a voice and platform to those of us who seek to question everything, holding onto the good, for the horse’s sake.
Thanks much Laurie… the problem I have is relying on someone whose living depends upon the work they do to tell me whether dental work is warranted. The starting point, I believe, should be that if the horse is living pretty much as his genetics have designed, out 24/7, munching grass forage 18-20 hours a day, then the presumption should be that no dental work is needed regardless of how imbalanced or “un-pretty” his mouth might look. If there is an obvious and somehow serious problem, like Cash’s split tooth, yes I’d deal with it rather than not. But I wouldn’t trim, cut, or balance just because he’s wearing weirdly. My mouth looks a mess compared to the movie star cover folk, but it does what it needs to do, is healthy, and I have all my teeth :). We have a horse who consistently wears her front feet on the outsides more than the insides. Or maybe it’s the other way around. I’ve forgotten since we decided long ago to stop messing with it. The trimmer would balance her up, and 8 weeks later they would be back the way the horse wanted it. Every time. So we finally said “Okay Pocket, you got it.” And there is no more attempt to balance them counter to what her body wants. The concept is that if the horse is living right, replicating as best possible the wild horse model, then as Rick Lamb says the best thing is to set them up for success and then get outta the way. That is very hard for humans who innately believe they know more than the horse. Humans can’t help themselves. Yes, even me. Whenever something like an abscess happens it is sooo hard to watch the limping around and just stay out of the way. Let the horse’s body resolve it. Encourage the movement so the circulation will hurry the process. And keep my hands off the problem. But invariably their bodies take care of the problem. Which is why I say that Goal One is to foster the very best immune system possible. The stand back. – Joe
When it comes down to it, Mother Nature is always wiser then rocket scientists ( no offence intended ! ) <3
I often wondered about this as well. Thanks Joe. How do I find such an Equine Dentist? Bend, OR.
Bend, OR… you probably don’t need an equine dentist if your horse is out, eating grass forage, munching and chewing all day and night long :). Any decent vet should be able to tell you if there is anything happening in that mouth that is dangerous to the horse. And if not, don’t do anything. But you could also Google equine dentist Bend OR and see what comes up.
So strange to read this article right now,,,for the last 2 months I have been dreaming of horse teeth,,,more specifically, how to ensure they are taken care of. It all started when I was scraping the tartar off the dog’s teeth,,,the thought was, “Hey, wonder if there’s anything on the market for horse’s teeth”, and so, I’ve been dreaming and researching the subject. This was a great article,,,and only fortifies the school of thought that natural IS better. My belief: God created every creature to be able to survive and sustain their body,,,if we would just let them! (including us human animals)… I’m going to keep on researching, and ensure Dakota’s teeth are kept away from the drill and file! Thanks for posting Joe,,,
Good for you Tina!!
Ah yes. I adopted a 20 something year old retired eventer 6 1/2 years ago. His owner told me he had to have his teeth floated every 6 months because he had a “wave mouth”, and she and her vet boyfriend would be there for that purpose the following month. I watched in horror as they sedated him and proceeded to use power tools on his mouth. The following month when my regular dentist came for my other horse, I related this experience and asked him to look at the old boy’s mouth. He is of the school of the above referenced dentist and gave me the lecture of how he had been doing just fine with that “wave mouth” and “if they do his teeth again in 6 months, he will bleed. He’s going to outlive his teeth.”
In the ensuing almost 7 years, he has had a light touch up once. And yes, he is outliving his teeth. Nothing I can do about the regular tooth grinding he endured through his teen years. Fortunately he is on pasture April through November and can manage that, but we are soon going to have winter time challenges. My beloved horse dentist has now retired and I can’t find anyone else near me with his way of thinking. Glad to hear there is at least one other person who thinks that way. Keep spreading the word.
So sad. Where do you live? Maybe we know someone who knows someone. Meanwhile, if he’s only had a light touch up in 7 years I wouldn’t worry too much about “being on time” until you find someone. Someone on FB posted a comment about his 40 year old horse who lives out 24/7 and has no teeth issues. Our goal is at least 42 for ours :) but our oldest is 25 and didn’t get to us until he was 18 and we have no idea what he might’ve been through pre-18… except for the 80-100 spur scars he came with. My (easiest) email is joe@benji.com. Drop me a note re where you are and I’ll ask around.
Thanks Joe for this great article!
I agree completely!!
Marge